Frequently asked
Duncan Septic FAQ
Common questions about septic systems in Duncan and the Cowichan Valley — cost, Island Health filings, pumping, inspections, and the signs of a failing system, answered plainly.
How much does a new septic system cost in the Cowichan Valley?
Most new systems here land between $15,000 and $45,000, depending on the type your soil needs. How easily we can get machines in and how big your house is move the price too. We price the soil testing, the design and the Island Health filing into the quote.
Do you need a permit to install a septic system in BC?
There's no septic permit in BC. We file your system with Island Health instead and handle the paperwork. An Authorized Person — that's us — files the design before we build, and sends in the Letter of Certification when we're done. You can't use the system until that letter is in.
How often should a septic tank be pumped?
We tell most households to pump every 3 to 5 years, sooner if you have a big family or a small tank. A pump-out runs about $250 to $500, and it's far cheaper than clearing a drain field full of solids.
What are the signs of a failing septic system?
Slow drains, sewage backups, gurgling pipes, wet or lush patches over the drain field, and odours near the tank or field all point to a failing system. We inspect the system to find whether the fix is a pump-out, a repair, or a field replacement.
What is the difference between a Type 1, 2, and 3 septic system?
A Type 1 is a septic tank and a drain field, with no extra treatment gear. A Type 2 adds a treatment unit. It cleans the water more, so a smaller field will take it. A Type 3 treats it further again, and we build those on the most sensitive lots near Shawnigan Lake or Cowichan Bay. We read your soil and tell you which one your property needs.
Do I need a septic inspection when buying or selling a home?
A septic inspection is standard on rural Cowichan Valley property sales — most buyers, lenders, and insurers want one. An inspection checks the tank, drain field, and flow and runs about $300 to $700, with a written report.
Who is allowed to install a septic system on Vancouver Island?
Only an Authorized Person under the Sewerage System Regulation — a Registered Onsite Wastewater Practitioner (ROWP) or a Professional such as an engineer — may design and install a system and file it with Island Health. We install to that standard, with ROWP-registered installers on every system.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Duncan, Cobble Hill, Shawnigan Lake, and Mill Bay, plus Cowichan Bay, Maple Bay, Lake Cowichan, and Chemainus, across the rural Cowichan Valley Regional District.
Ready for a septic quote in Duncan?
We offer free on-site assessments across the Cowichan Valley Regional District.